Two lions who had been confined to a small cage and forced to work in the circus for a decade are headed back to their natural environment.

Animal Defenders International (ADI) is in the midst of transporting former circus lions Goliath and Coralie from Paris, France, to ADI’s 455-acre wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. The duo was rescued after an investigation by the organization Free Life. They had been enjoying their first taste of freedom at Tonga Terre d'Accueil near Lyon. 

The transport, which has been covered step by step on ADI’s Facebook page, has involved consistent medical checks and ensuring the animals have plenty of water. Qatar Airways Cargo donated the flight for free, and between Paris and Johannesburg, there was a stopover in Doha. As of the writing of this story, the lions were expected to reach South Africa Wednesday morning.

Goliath and Coralie will join more than 30 other big cats and other rescued animals at the sanctuary, just another pair rescued through ADI’s efforts to help animals exploited by the entertainment industry.

ADI President Jan Creamer says, “It’s a dream come true for Coralie and Goliath. They leave behind a tiny cage to roam acres of space in their natural homeland. It’s also the beginning of the end for wild animals in circuses in France which will be completely banned by 2028.”

ADI and other organizations are also pushing for a Europe-wide ban on this practice, and ADI’s undercover investigations have provided some of the evidence that supporters of the ban point to.

Dozens of other countries have done away with wild animals in circuses already, which ADI says has helped them save big cats, bears, monkeys, and other animals. 

To see more photos of the latest rescues, Goliath and Coralie, keep scrolling! All photos courtesy of Animal Defenders International.